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W ith showrooms in the Dallas Design District and Decorative Center Houston featuring more than 45 prestigious brands, Culp Associates is just getting started, say partners Cammie Marrs, Jessica Salmons, and Karen Rogers-Still. The showroom is known for longstanding relationships with such venerable European and American brands as Cowtan & Tout, Pierre Frey, Clarence House, Sanderson Design Group, Samuel & Sons, de Gournay, Formations, Boyd Lighting, Gregorius Pineo, and many others. Culp Associates' storied 50-year history began in 1972 when Miami interior designer Walter Lee Culp opened a showroom in Dallas, at the urging of u p - a n d - c o m i n g textile designers Jack Lenor Larsen a n d A n g e l o Donghia, along with Robin Roberts, founder of Clarence H o u s e f a b r i c s . Showrooms were almost nonexistent in Texas at the time, and the men wanted their lines to be more accessible to interior designers. Culp became a pioneer of the multi-line showroom model, soon adding other top textile brands to the company's portfolio. In 1974, the firm opened a second showroom in Decorative Center Houston. Culp found assistance and friendship in Kelly Hardage, then a college student, who helped navigate the Houston showroom opening. In 1992, Hardage became president of Walter Lee Culp Associates, where he was instrumental in growing the business. He purchased the business in 2004 and changed the name to its brand today: Culp Associates. In 2006, the firm expanded to include additional furniture and accessory lines, further growing its prestigious presence. Cammie Marrs joined Culp Associates in 1994, working in the sample room as she completed her degree from the University of North Texas. She was promoted to VP/general manager in 2011 and was named president/partner in 2017. "Since the day I began at Culp Associates, it's been the perfect fit," Marrs Culp was always my first stop when I was specifying items for a project. Now I'm able to join forces with two remarkable women. Women who trust each other make great teams, and we can't wait for the future." — Karen Rogers-Still Culp Associates Culp Associates The Next Era OF A venerable showroom with of history looks to the future. PAPERCITY ADVERTORIAL de Gournay handpainted wallpaper 172